Protein In The Atkins Diet

The Atkins diet is a weight-loss plan created by Dr. Robert Atkins. It is appealing to many because, unlike other diet plans common in the United States, the Atkins diet does not require calorie counting or portion control. Instead, it focuses on the consumption of proteins and the restriction of carbohydrates to facilitate weight loss.

Traditional Atkins Diet

Animal products make up the main protein sources in the original version of the Atkins diet, which relies on heavy consumption of pork, beef, chicken, turkey, lamb and fish. It also encourages dieters to consume dairy products and eggs. The original Atkins diet proceeds from the premise that the body uses protein as energy instead of carbohydrates, which it stores as fats.

New Atkins Diet

The newer version of the Atkins diet still relies on meats, eggs and dairy products as sources of protein; however, it focuses on obtaining lean proteins that lack the artery-clogging saturated fats found in red meats and dark-meat poultry. Fish and white-meat chicken and turkey play more significant roles as protein sources in the new Atkins diet. This version also accommodates vegetarians, allowing nuts, seeds, tofu, tempeh and soymilk as sources of lean protein.

High-Protein Risks

The high protein intake emphasized by the Atkins diet may increase health risks. Your body may not be able to use excess protein effectively, which risks damage to your liver and kidneys, according to the American Heart Association. High consumption of protein sources like dark-meat chicken, pork and beef increases your intake of saturated fats, which may cause arterial blockages and inhibit weight loss.

Considerations

Focusing on proteins and limiting or excluding carbohydrate sources, such as grains, fruits and vegetables, may deprive your body of nutrients necessary for optimal health, such as vitamin C, folate, vitamin A and boron. A diet consisting primarily of protein sources also limits your intake of dietary fiber, which is necessary for proper digestion and the prevention of constipation, according to Phyllis Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." It may also help lower "bad" cholesterol and glucose in your bloodstream.